November 19th, 2012 – [Kaleme] Opposition Leader Mir Hossein Mousavi was transferred to Tehran Heart Center today in order to undergo a number of cardiac tests. According to reports received by Kaleme, security forces transferred Mousavi who underwent an angioplasty two months ago as a result of heart

complications, to Tehran Heat Center today for a number of coronary tests. The opposition leader was taken back to house arrest a few hours later.

Mousavi has reportedly been suffering from chest pain and severe blood pressure fluctuations during the past two weeks. According to reports received by Kaleme, the hospital physicians opted not to conduct the cardiac stress tests [induced by exercise] in order to avoid too much physical strain. These tests were postponed for a later date. Cardiac stress tests are conducted in patients suffering from coronary heart disease in order to determine coronary circulation while the patient is at rest versus the patient’s coronary circulation during maximum physical exertion. The patient’s body must be strong enough in order for the test not to cause a serious health risk.

Sources close to the hospital staff and administration have repeatedly stated that standard medical protocols have not been followed during Mir Hossein Mouavi’s medical treatment. It is worth mentioning that Mir Hossein Mousavi did not suffer from any ailment prior to his house arrest.

Despite the public concern for the health and well being of Mir Hossein Mousavi, security forces have refused to publish any news regarding the condition and well being of the detained opposition leader. The publication of the slightest news on Mir Hossein Mousavi has repeatedly led to a flood of threats to the lives and livelihood of the opposition leader’s family members.

In September last year, after Mousavi’s first transfer to Tehran Heart Center, Dr. Ali Shakourirad informed Kaleme that the tests had determined that the opposition leader was suffering from a narrowing in one of his arteries and a stent was placed in his artery during an angioplasty procedure. At the time Dr. Shakourirad stated: “in the past few months, Mir Hossein Mousavi has been suffering from a heart condition requiring medical treatment. Receiving medical treatment sooner would have been much more in line with standard medical protocols.”

Last year, the Islamic Society of Medicine also demanded that the opposition leaders be examined by physicians of their choice in order to alleviate the concerns of their family member for their heath and well being. Given the physical condition of Mir Hossein Mousavi and Zahra Rahnavard their family has demanded that they be examined by an established physician trusted by the family and a report be published on their physical condition. The family has also demanded that regular visitations be established asking that security agents refrain from any and all verbal threats.

The Coordination Council for the Green Path of Hope also demanded last year that the leaders of the green movement be examined by a trusted physician of their choice and a comprehensive medical report be published in order to alleviate public concern regarding their well being.

Despite the fact that approximately 650 days have passed since the illegal house arrests of Mir Hossein Mousavi, Zahra Rahnavard and Mehdi Karroubi, none of their family’s demands have been met to date and the public has been kept in the dark with regards to their heath and well being. The statements and behavior by the authorities of the ruling establishment have only further augmented the public concern regarding the well being of opposition leaders.